Hello. I am new to this forum and a bit desperate at this moment. I joined it today because I am ordering a new mini this weekend and I really do not want to get an automatic transmission. I have driven a manual transmission before but that was a few years ago and I do not remember whether I can do it anymore. I do not know anyone who drives a stick shift and need help! Would anyone be interested in helping me? I live near Hartford CT.! Please?

 

For me it was about 12 years since I had last driven a manual when I bought my Mini. It's like riding a bike. Once you get in and go, it will all come back.

 

Mine is auto but like it's been said, it's like riding a bike. It'll all come back to you very quickly. I have test driven a manual Mini and they are pretty easy to handle.

 

Mine is an auto as well. But once you know how to do it, it's kinda hard to forget.

 

I have a manual trans and love it! Before you order, go to the dealer and ask to drive a manual trans. If that's not enough, find out if you can rent a used Mini or demo for a week.

 

I bought my MINI 5spd without knowing how to drive standard. It didn't take long to figure it out. Took a driving lesson with a pro who had lots of good tips for me (ease out the clutch without touching the gas, find that friction point and let it start rolling, THEN press the gas pedal.) and I was shifting/rev matching like a pro in no time. Don't stress, you'll be fine.

 

This video link was posted some time back, and may be of service to you:

http://standardshift.com/videos.html

 

As they say "Just do it!"

It may take a day or two till you are comfortable again but when you get it right, have someone teach you a heal and toe downshift!

Enjoy the twisties!

///Rich

 

It took me FOREVER and a day to finally get in whatever car was offered to me to drive cuz I was so scared (and lazy lol). But once my husband got me in his Civic (which he no longer has), it was pretty easy. Then he got his MINI, had me drive it on the freeway for the first time, and it was AWESOME! The next day, I was begging for another lesson! After only 4 days, I was driving it by myself without him in the front seat Needless to say, I was proud of myself, and still am.

I bought my own MINI a month after that cuz I kept stealing his car. I bit the bullet and just went for the 5-speed. I was so scared of my first time in traffic (especially in Scottsdale, AZ...), but I had it in no time. Granted, there were a few stalls at lights and stop signs here and there lol. It's gonna happen. Heck, I STILL stall while backing into my garage!

You should go for the advice above, and maybe drive one on the lot. If you get a manual, you will pick it up in no time! My mom hadn't driven a manual in 20+ years, but when she got behind the wheel of my husband's MINI, but she was a PRO! GO FOR IT :D

 

Go to your local BMW car club and ask them. I am sure you only find 10 or 20 people who would be more than happy to help you...

Also, order the DTS. It has hill assist which is fantastic. It holds the brake on for a few seconds when you are on a hill and keep you from rolling backward while you let the clutch out.

As others have said, these are really easy cars to drive stick in. You'll learn it in no time.

 

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago. I hadn't driven a stick in almost 10 years. I was still a rookie at it when I stopped too. Test drove a new mini manual and it came right back to me. I did stall it once on the test drive but recovered very quickly. I'd say go for the stick you'll be happy you did.

also when you get a chance check out http://nemini.org it's a local club here in the northeast

 

You should get what you'll feel most comfortable driving! There are pros and cons whichever you get. Personally I like being able to control the shift changes myself.
If you're not used to stick, make sure you want it before you get it! As with any car, shifting is a part of driving a manual, so you will be doing it all the time. If you get an automatic, no shifting. Some would rather let the car do the shifting for them. Nothing wrong with that. If you're ordering a brand new MINI, get the MINI of your dreams!!
Good luck!

 

Do yourself a favor and press the 'sport' button before you drive. It will make the throttle much easier to modulate.

 

Hi Everyone.. Thank you so much for all the tips! The reason I am buying a mini in the first place is this. I drive a 128i right now and love the car. I have been shopping around for a new car for 5 months now and nothing compares to the handling and steering etc. I just don't like any car out there because 1 series does not really have much of a competition. (By the way... I am not getting rid of my car because I do not like it... It is because it has not been reliable AT ALL. I hope minis are better).

So I have test driven about 20 cars...G37, GTI, 3 series BMW, Jeep, Genesis.. you name it. .. and then ... I came across MINIs. I really like them and I like how small they are. I only test drove an automatic because I am too afraid to test drive stick. Ugh. I always wanted a manual trans car so with your encouragement I will probably do it. I am just scared because I don't think I can learn on my own and I have no one to show me :(

By the way I am looking at a Hardtop S Bayswater package. It looks so nice I really like the way it looks in blue. Does anyone have it?

Oh and wow! I am impressed how many positive responses I have received on this forum. As opposed to some other ones! You all ROCK!!!!

 

I too bought my S without ever having driven a manual. The very first time I sat in the car at the dealership, I pressed the clutch to start it up then immediately dropped it, stalling the car. My MA just looked at me like I was stupid. I asked if he could teach me to drive a manual and he took me on a test drive to a business park after they had closed. We spent about an hour with him teaching me. This was all before he knew for sure that I was going to actually buy.

So ask your MA, they might be willing to teach you too!

I discovered the Bayswater a few weeks after buying my current Mini. I totally love it too, great color combination. Good luck with your purchase and if you get the Bayswater make sure to post some pics, I want to see!

 

I believe that the Hill Holding feature is standard in all new MINIs. Mine has it, and I didn't tick the box for any of the "driver aids" when I ordered him.

 

Even better

 

What does DTS stand for? I am going to the dealer tomorrow and I would like ask about it but .. hmm I think it would be good to know what it actually stands for. : ]

 

That a look at this post:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-control.html
It explains a lot about DTC

 

Thank you!!!!!!!!! I love you guys here. This forum rocks! so helpful.

 

I drove my MINI off the lot not knowing how to drive manual. I got the hang of it in 2 days. I'm sure you'll do better and you'll do fine.